Elye Wahi (12) of Ivory Coast in action during the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group E match between Ivory Coast and Ecuador at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States on June 14, 2026. Abdulhamid Hosbas / Anadolu (Photo by ABDULHAMID HOSBAS / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP)
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will miss his country’s second World Cup group match against Germany after being denied a visa to enter Canada, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed.
The federation said the necessary travel authorisations for entry into Canadian territory were not obtained in time, preventing Wahi from travelling with the national team delegation to Toronto for Saturday’s fixture.
“The administrative authorisations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” FIF said, without providing further details on the refusal.
Wahi becomes the second player in this tournament to be denied entry into Canada, after Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is currently facing rape charges in the United Kingdom.
The development comes amid reports in French media that Wahi was recently questioned by police over allegations linked to suspected spot-fixing in a Ligue 1 match during his time at Nice.
According to reports, the case involves a yellow card he received in a 0-0 draw with Metz in May, which reportedly triggered unusual betting patterns flagged by authorities.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed it had filed a complaint with police over what it described as possible sporting fraud and organised corruption.
Born in France, Wahi switched allegiance to Ivory Coast earlier this year and featured in their opening 1-0 Group E win over Ecuador.
Ivory Coast will now face Germany in Toronto without the striker as they continue their group-stage campaign, with their final match scheduled against Curaçao in the United States on June 25.
The federation has not indicated whether efforts are ongoing to overturn the visa decision or replace the player in the squad.
